Cities flying pride flags during Olympics; Support it?

[Joborule]

What's being taken away from city hall for raising the flag?

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by ranchlandsselling

Actually I'm saying there are TONS of better options than the one that's being debated, not a limited amount. I'm suggesting that raising the flag is a complete waste of time, money and energy and is merely an attempt to do something that's likely more about looking and feeling good about oneself than actually doing anything constructive. I then used giving clothes as an example of something that would be a more constructive use of time. Additionally, given we all have limited time to spend on things, it is very true that some people may only have time to do one thing.

Of which responding to you two in this thread has exceeded my daily allocation of time on something like this, which I'd suggest is an even bigger waste of time than raising a rainbow flag.

Okay, so how much time does it take posters to support the decision to raise the flag? I think you're a little out to lunch suggesting that time has anything to do with this.

If you don't support it because you thinks it's useless or unfair or whatever, fine, but it takes about 2 seconds to read that a flag was raised at city hall and say either "hey, I support that!" or "Grumble, I don't support that".

[J epworth]

Originally Posted by Joborule

What's being taken away from city hall for raising the flag?

Looks like the south flagpole is where it's on, so it would be the Union Jack that it is replacing.

Actually nevermind, I have no idea looking at the picture in the news article which flag it's replacing, maybe someone that actually has seen it could answer that question.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Joborule

What's being taken away from city hall for raising the flag?

The "Remeber to buy clothes for the homless" flag. It was a tough decision, with huge reprecussions for the homeless.

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by J epworth kendal

Looks like the south flagpole is where it's on, so it would be the Union Jack that it is replacing.

[photon]

Originally Posted by ranchlandsselling

Actually I'm saying there are TONS of better options than the one that's being debated, not a limited amount.

That's still a false dichotomy (or maybe better called a false dilemma), because it still implies a choice must be made when it doesn't have to be (it can be this and one or more of the tons of better options, not this or one or more of the tons of better options).

Originally Posted by ranchlandsselling

I'm suggesting that raising the flag is a complete waste of time, money and energy

This is so small that it isn't even worth considering as a reason to or not to.

Originally Posted by ranchlandsselling

and is merely an attempt to do something that's likely more about looking and feeling good about oneself than actually doing anything constructive.

It could have just as easily been a different motivation than the one you're assuming. Just because you see it as likely doesn't mean it means a conclusion can be drawn from it.

[puckluck2]

I feel ashamed for the people who "don't care either way".

How can you not care?

[CaptainCrunch]

Because there are just as many worthy causes that deserve the flag at this time of year.

The Russian's are providing weapons and aid and support to a monstrous Syrian government that's slaughtering in the 6 figures, I think that's just as important of a issues.

Russia is brutally putting down rebellions where are their flags.

Its not that I don't care either way, It just feels like populous picking and choosing to me.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Because there are just as many worthy causes that deserve the flag at this time of year.

The Russian's are providing weapons and aid and support to a monstrous Syrian government that's slaughtering in the 6 figures, I think that's just as important of a issues.

Russia is brutally putting down rebellions where are their flags.

Its not that I don't care either way, It just feels like populous picking and choosing to me.

True, but does flying a rainbow flag negatively affect those causes? It seems unrelated to me

[CaptainCrunch]

To me it feels phony to be very honest, not that it negatively effects anything or even effects anything at all.

That's my problem with it.

[Daradon]

As far as the poll goes, yeah you can't really trust online or Sun polls to be representative of the city at all. I would suspect the majority would be in favor.

As far as why not, I do think it's a little silly, as the Olympics are halfway around the world, I'm not sure it's really doing anything. In fact I'm sure it isn't. But I guess it does show the LGBT communities here that they are supported. On the other hand, it really doesn't take any effort at all, so why not.

As far as other causes I'm sure people are welcome to ask for support or bring up the issue. It's just that this has the attention right now and it's easily understood for many people. Causes and issues are like that when they break through that watershed mark.

[Hatter]

Hanging a flag to shame the Russians seems useless and passive aggressive. I'd prefer Canadians to use words and write letters condemning their archaic views on homosexuality, and reaffirming our support for LGBT people worldwide.

[Devils'Advocate]

The flag thing is not going to do anything in Russia. HOWEVER, it should be doing something right here at home. It says to our homosexual friends and neighbours that "We are not boycotting watching the Olympics in Russia, in spite of our objections to their laws. We do not support these laws and this is our way of showing that we have your back in your fight for equality." Unfortunately, I think it has backfired as I have seen far more hatred towards gays come out of the woodwork since the flag went up. It not just this poll, but LOTS of comments around the internet. "Why do these perverts have to hijack EVERYTHING?" We still have a long, long way to go IN THIS COUNTRY.

Captain Crunch: What did the city say to your proposal? I think it would be a great idea to help inform people about what is going on in Syria. Kudos to you for submitting that to the city!!

[doozwimp]

I don't see any issue with flying a flag. Hardly a bold political stance at this point, but a nice gesture none the less. I don't understand why anyone should have a problem with it. It's a fricken flag for fooks sake.

Edit: Also, i don't think there is any political incentive whatsoever to boycotting the Olympics.Far too unsubtle and basically only amounts to a big #### you to the host country and will only be ignored and perhaps even fuel the fire of those on the other side of the issue. Makes a much stronger point to passive-aggressively make your point and you lose that opportunity as soon as you boycott. Getting a bit of a kick out of things like these kinds of flag raisings. Did you guys notice the German teams Olympic apparel? Obviously a nod of disapproval to Russian policies regarding LGBT equality and its great.

(apologize for the large image. Will put in NSFW tags as soon as i figure out how.

[Makarov]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Because there are just as many worthy causes that deserve the flag at this time of year.

The Russian's are providing weapons and aid and support to a monstrous Syrian government that's slaughtering in the 6 figures, I think that's just as important of a issues.

Russia is brutally putting down rebellions where are their flags.

Its not that I don't care either way, It just feels like populous picking and choosing to me.

If that is how you feel, the rational thing to do would be to call City Hall and ask them to fly the "independence flag of Syria" rather than advocating for an empty flag pole.

EDIT: Devil's Advocate beat me to it.

[GP_Matt]

Originally Posted by Makarov

If that is how you feel, the rational thing to do would be to call City Hall and ask them to fly the "independence flag of Syria" rather than advocating for an empty flag pole.

EDIT: Devil's Advocate beat me to it.

Is there a Syrian independence flag?

As to the pride flag, I am in favour of it but worry it is too similar to liking something on Facebook. People look at the issue and think, "our city is flying the pride flag to support gay rights in Russia, I am glad I did my part in helping solve the problem" *pats self on back and smiles satisfactorily.
Disrupting the advertising campaigns of Coke, McDonalds and such seems far better especially as it is starting to appear that these companies have been following the development of the new laws for years before they were passed and never voiced their disapproval.

[Makarov]

Originally Posted by GP_Matt

Is there a Syrian independence flag?

Originally Posted by GP_Matt

As to the pride flag, I am in favour of it but worry it is too similar to liking something on Facebook. People look at the issue and think, "our city is flying the pride flag to support gay rights in Russia, I am glad I did my part in helping solve the problem" *pats self on back and smiles satisfactorily.
Disrupting the advertising campaigns of Coke, McDonalds and such seems far better especially as it is starting to appear that these companies have been following the development of the new laws for years before they were passed and never voiced their disapproval.

That just does not sound plausible to me.

[Makarov]

It should be obvious but I would just add also that there are far more gay people who actually live in Calgary than there are Syrians.

[strombad]

I REALLY don't understand this whole "there are more important issues/phony waste of time" line of thinking, it's embarrassing.

RE: Other issues
As has been said, this is not a "support homosexual rights and every homeless person dies". In no way does the flying of this flag negatively affect any other cause. It's like saying "Well I didn't put on my pants this morning because I had to put on my shirt". It's senseless. The flag simply shows support for a group of people who's rights are being infringed upon. This is not an attack on Russia, it's support for a people. It's not going to change the laws, but it IS going to show people around the world that this is a politically safe place that supports you.

If you don't like it, fine. But don't make thinly veiled excuses that simply hide your own lack of compassion or prejudice. The "bigger issues" complex is a well documented excuse used by people not wishing to reveal their negative prejudices.

RE: Phony/Waste of time
Get over yourselves.


If you couldn't tell, I fully support it. It's an incredibly small but nice gesture.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to collect some clothes for the homeless, I won't let the conflict in Syria or homosexual rights stop me, because, you know, I'm a functioning human being.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

The flag thing is not going to do anything in Russia. HOWEVER, it should be doing something right here at home. It says to our homosexual friends and neighbours that "We are not boycotting watching the Olympics in Russia, in spite of our objections to their laws. We do not support these laws and this is our way of showing that we have your back in your fight for equality." Unfortunately, I think it has backfired as I have seen far more hatred towards gays come out of the woodwork since the flag went up. It not just this poll, but LOTS of comments around the internet. "Why do these perverts have to hijack EVERYTHING?" We still have a long, long way to go IN THIS COUNTRY.

Captain Crunch: What did the city say to your proposal? I think it would be a great idea to help inform people about what is going on in Syria. Kudos to you for submitting that to the city!!

I submitted some ideas through my Alderman, person, counciller whatever you call it over the weekend, I'll probably be branded as a wack job and have the secret police watching my every move